Monday, September 27, 2010

It turns out that inappropriate dinner conversation topics (i.e. Boogers, Vomit, Halitosis, Bloody Noses, Flatulence, B.O., Warts) actually make for an unusual and informative book of all things unmentionable. You'll find all the above and more in the newly published, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition.

According to the book's introduction, "This guide has all the tips for how to survive the grossest of the gross situations that life poops out at you." Fair warning. This isn't the only time the subject of poo crops up in this book. And it's pretty hard not to laugh while reading about it. Even my mother-in-law, after first surveying the book with a glaring eye, burst out laughing with tears rolling down her face while reading the "Urine Says a Lot About You" and "Poopisms" sections. After all, it's true -- "Whether you cheer it or fear it, one thing's for certain: poop happens." Like it or not, kids (and some adults) find bodily functions and gross things, well, hilarious. And, I bet if they can get their hands on this little handbook, they'll read it cover to cover. While they are snickering they can learn a little along the way, too.

Just what kind of advice is in this book? Well, it covers a range of situations like How to Survive Bad Breath, How to Deal with a Spit Talker, How to Deal with a Gas Leak and How to Survive Lice. There's plenty of factual information mixed in with text that sounds like it comes straight from the middle grade diaries, a conversational tone sure to appeal to the intended audience. Comical blue and gray toned illustrations help put the matter into perspective. Here's an exclusive sneak peek straight from the publisher.

Honestly, it's pretty hard to keep a straight face reading this one. Definitely an entertaining Grossology 101. The back of the book even provides recipes for fake snot, fake puke, fake poop and fake blood. However, if you've outlawed the use of the word "fart" in your home, this probably isn't the book for your family. I'm not entirely sure, when the time comes, that I want my middle-grader repeating terms like "butt biscuits" and "wet fireworks" (though, I'm sure they hear far worse at school). But, I'll admit there's plenty to be learned from the book. Children might just pay heed to all those lessons on manners and cleanliness because they'll know exactly why, for instance, a dirty bathroom is not something to be taken lightly or they just might think twice about leaving that wad of gum under the desk. And, let me tell you, I wish I would have read the section on "How to Manage Your Cat's Hairballs" when I was in grade school. Maybe then I wouldn't have had to frantically phone my mom one summer during a babysitting job. The baby was fine, but I thought for sure the cat in that home was choking to death under my watch.

Lastly, back to the dinner conversations. The appendix lists some of the grossest human habits in history. Did you know that during the Middle Ages, diners used the tablecloth to wipe their hands and blow their noses? Yes, that is disgusting!

Interested in reading more? One Brimful Curiosities reader will win a copy of the book, The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Gross Junior Edition.

To enter, leave any comment relevant to this post.

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I know I'm not eligible for the giveaway so don't include me, but I still had to comment - sounds like an absolutely perfect book to graduate to after the one I reviewed today! We all need a good giggle now and then.

My grandson and nephew would both love to read this book. Then they can answer their own questions about some things that just are not good subjects for conversation. I may need it myself to discover how to handle some questionable situations.

my daughter would like to read this book she is one of those germ free people. she also finds in interesting learning about germs and stuff. This would be fun reading for any child and yes us adults too.waitressdani (at) hotmail (dot) com

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Brimful Curiosities is a mom blog/book blog featuring reviews and posts on children's books, music, educational products, toys and more. It's home to the weekly "Full to the Brim" Kid's Book Giveaway List. Occasionally it includes non-children related product and book reviews and personal postings.